Brief Encounters

They’re finally here – the new range of Kawasaki motorcycles – the Z650, Ninja 650, Z900, and the BS IV compliant Ninja 300. We take them all for a spin to make you go green with envy.

- Ravi Ved

With manufacturers like Triumph and Ducati going aggressive with their product portfolio in recent years, Kawasaki products were starting to show their age. Of course, models like the ER-6n and the Ninja 650 were great value for money but there was no arguing that the tech within was more than four years old. Clearly, it was time for Kawasaki to update their model range and they’ve done just that.

Z650

Gone is the weird looking ER-6n, and in comes a sharper looking Z650. As the name rightly suggests, this naked offering draws inspiration from the Z family of Kawasaki motorcycles. One glance, and the Z650 immediately looks a lot more aggressive than its predecessor. The headlamp design, tank extensions, taillights and grab rails are sharply designed to give the Z650 a sportier appeal. It’s also a lot more sophisticated than its predecessor thanks to some much-needed equipment, like a slipper clutch and ABS. The new design and the additional features are sure to open the Z650 to a larger market.

Providing firepower to the Z650 is an updated version of the 649cc parallel-twin unit making 67.2bhp and 65.7Nm. Although the peak power output is 2bhp less than its predecessor, the difference in performance is hardly noticeable. Credit for this goes to the lightweight tubular trellis frame that helps the Z650 shed an impressive 19kgs over the ER-6n. The weight loss has also helped in improving its handling dynamics and the Z650 feels nimbler than its predecessor. The 6-speed gearbox remains unchanged, but is now assisted by the aforementioned slipper clutch.

Kawasaki had chalked out a 3-kilometre track to experience the motorcycle but the single run on the track just wasn’t enough to evaluate it properly. That being said, the Japanese bike maker has retuned the engine for improved low and mid-range performance – which should make it a lot more comfortable to ride in the city.